A massive 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the southern coasts of Chile and Argentina. The quake triggered a tsunami alert shortly after. Chile’s National Disaster Prevention and Response Service also issued evacuation orders for coastal areas in the Magallanes region. Scroll on for more details.
Major Earthquake In Chile & Argentina Prompts Tsunami Warning
According to the United States Geological Survey, a major 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the Drake Passage at around 9.58 AM local time (12:58 GMT). The earthquake hit the southern coasts of Chile and Argentina at a depth of just 10 km. Due to the high intensity of the quake, Chilean authorities promptly issued a tsunami warning for the country’s southernmost area, suggesting the risk of hazardous tsunami waves. According to the preliminary advisory, the tsunami waves could impact coastlines within 300 kilometres of the epicentre.
The earthquake occurred between Cape Horn and Antarctica and was followed by several smaller aftershocks. According to NDTV, the earthquake was felt mainly in Ushuaia in Argentina. The local authorities urged the residents to evacuate a nearby village on the Beagle Channel. So far, there have been no reports of infrastructural damage or injuries in either nation.
Chilean local media reported that residents are being urged to evacuate to safer zones. They have been asked to move to places that are at least 30 metres above sea level as a precautionary measure. It is to be noted that Chile is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in South America. This is mainly because three tectonic plates converge within its territory. These tectonic plates are the Nazca, the South American, and the Antarctic plates.
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Evacuations Underway
Following the major earthquake in Chile and Argentina, the National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response (SENAPRED) in Chile issued an evacuation order. They raised a tsunami alert and ordered the coastal sectors of the Magallanes region to evacuate to safer zones. They also called for the evacuation of beach areas in the Chilean Antarctic area.
According to the Chilean police’s X account, the evacuation is going smoothly.
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So far, there have been no reports of any injuries or casualties because of the major earthquake that jolted Chile and Argentina.
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